happened very quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "happened very quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or occurrence that took place in a short amount of time. Example: "The accident happened very quickly, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everything happened very quickly.

The New York Times

"It happened very quickly.

The New York Times

A lot happened very quickly.

The Guardian - Tech

This all happened very quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

Then things happened very quickly.

The New York Times

What happened next happened very quickly.

The New Yorker

"It happened very quickly," Ms. Cruz said.

The New Yorker

And then everything happened very quickly.

The Guardian

This has all happened very quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

"This happened very quickly," Father Vartzelis said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Things happen very quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "happened very quickly" to emphasize the sudden or rapid nature of an event, often when describing unexpected or impactful occurrences.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "happened very quickly" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "occurred rapidly" or "transpired swiftly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happened very quickly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the speed at which an action or event took place. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in English. Examples show its adaptability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sport

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "happened very quickly" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to emphasize the rapid occurrence of an event. Ludwig AI validates this, providing numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news, sport and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "occurred rapidly". Understanding its usage helps writers effectively convey speed and suddenness in their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occurred rapidly

Emphasizes speed and swiftness of the event.

transpired swiftly

Highlights the quick and efficient manner in which something happened.

unfolded rapidly

Suggests a fast progression of events.

took place in short order

Indicates that something happened quickly and efficiently.

came about suddenly

Focuses on the abrupt and unexpected nature of the occurrence.

developed instantaneously

Highlights the immediate nature of the development.

progressed hastily

Emphasizes the rushed or hurried nature of the progress.

materialized promptly

Suggests that something appeared or became real without delay.

erupted suddenly

Implies a sudden and often forceful beginning or occurrence.

accelerated quickly

Highlights the increased speed or pace at which something happened.

FAQs

How can I use "happened very quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "happened very quickly" to describe an event that occurred rapidly. For instance, "The deal "happened very quickly" after the initial negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "happened very quickly"?

Alternatives include "occurred rapidly", "transpired swiftly", or "unfolded rapidly", each emphasizing different aspects of speed and suddenness.

Is "happened very quickly" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable, "happened very quickly" might be considered less formal. In academic writing, alternatives like "occurred rapidly" or "progressed hastily" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "happened very quickly" and "came about suddenly"?

"Happened very quickly" emphasizes the speed of the event, whereas "came about suddenly" highlights the unexpected nature of the event's occurrence.